‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Isn’t A ‘Realistic Portrayal Of The Facts,’ Says CIA Director

The acting director of the CIA claims the upcoming motion picture Zero Dark Thirty isn’t a “realistic portrayal of the facts.” A Hollywood movie based on a true story didn’t stick to the facts? Now there’s a shocker.

Deadline reports that CIA director Michael Morell has decided to go on record about Kathryn Bigelow’s Osama Bin Laden assassination thriller. Since the agency feels the filmmakers have fudged the facts a bit, Morell decided to explain the situation to the American public.

In a rare movie-related post on the official CIA website, the acting director of the CIA issued a statement in an effort to put Zero Dark Thirty into context.

Morell had this to say about Bigelow’s endeavor:

“The film, which premiered this week, addresses the successful hunt for Osama Bin Laden that was the focus of incredibly dedicated men and women across our Agency, Intelligence Community, and military partners for many years. But in doing so, the film takes significant artistic license, while portraying itself as being historically accurate.

“What I want you to know is that ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is a dramatization, not a realistic portrayal of the facts. CIA interacted with the filmmakers through our Office of Public Affairs but, as is true with any entertainment project with which we interact, we do not control the final product.”

The statement goes on to address a number of inaccuracies contained within the movie, including the supposed use of “enhanced techniques” to extract information from sources.

Morell also wants moviegoers to know that Kathryn Bigelow’s motion picture is not a documentary about the events leading up to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

According to The New York Times, Morell’s comments come shortly after Dianne Feinstein, Carl Levin, and John McCain wrote a letter to Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton. All three senators were concerned about the numerous inaccuracies contained in the film as well.

Are you looking forward to Zero Dark Thirty? Are you concerned the film won’t be a “realistic portrayal facts?”